The sides are not close to a deal. There are no talks scheduled. And it appears only a miracle will prevent the league's first work stoppage since 2004-05, when the season was canceled.

“It's starting to sink in,'' Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader said. “Once we miss training camp … once we start missing preseason games or regular games ... and now we won't be able to skate at the Joe … it's going to feel a little different not coming here every day. I think it'll start setting in next week.''

Red Wings training camp is scheduled to start Sept. 21 in Traverse City. The league is expected to cancel camps and perhaps part of the preseason schedule next week, barring a breakthrough in negotiations.

“We’re still hoping; there is that little bit of hope left,'' Niklas Kronwall, Detroit's player representative, said. “Obviously, things don’t look that bright, but hopefully if nothing is reached by (Saturday), then by Sunday or Monday we start talking again and we’ll get it all sorted out.''

Said Drew Miller: “I know they’re saying there is a lot of distance between the two, but that can change quickly.''

Ansar Khan/MLiveThe Red Wings dressing room will be empty for a while, unless the NHL and players reach a new labor deal soon.

Only players receiving treatment for an injury will be allowed at JLA once the lockout commences.

“Kind of weird,'' goaltender Jimmy Howard said. “Sort of feels like you're packing up and going away for the summer, even though we're only moving over to Troy (practice rink). But it is kind of awkward, just the feeling around here, the sense of the unknown.''

Danny Cleary likened the feeling to an end-of-the-season locker clean-out following a disappointing playoff run.

“It feels like the end of the (season) team picture, except we haven’t had a season,'' Cleary said. “We still have time. The season doesn’t start until October (10), so we’ll see how it goes. My guess would be we’re not going to start the season on time.''

And that is frustrating to players, who after conceding a salary cap and 24-percent rollback of existing contracts in 2005, believe they're being forced to give up too much again.

“It's disappointing because everyone is ready for hockey, everyone's got that edge going,'' Miller said. “But, from a business standpoint, as a union, we can't be pushed around. You got to fight for what's ours, what we're entitled to. It's something that's fair and good for the growth of our sport.''

Meanwhile, coach Mike Babcock stopped by the dressing room to see the players off.

“I’m in here to say goodbye to everybody and wish them luck,'' Babcock said. “Those coaches that don’t have family here, I’m probably going to send them home. I’m going to watch my kids and watch hockey as much as I can and go places where hopefully I can get better.''